Page 223 of The Armor of Light
‘They left with that recruiting sergeant who was at the fair.’
Hornbeam said: ‘This can’t be allowed. They’re only fifteen!’
Rupe said: ‘Fifteen-year-olds are allowed to join up now, as long as they’re tall enough. The law was changed back in 1797.’
‘I’m not going to accept this,’ Hornbeam said. The idea of his only grandchild risking his life in war was too dreadful to contemplate.
Drummond said: ‘Who can we go and see about it?’
The 107th Foot was in Spain, and it did not have an office in Kingsbridge. The military was represented by the militia here. Lord Combe was the new ceremonial colonel, but he was not a working officer, unlike Henry, who had been exceptional in that respect. The militia was effectively run by Archie Donaldson, who was now a lieutenant-colonel and sat in Henry’s old room at Willard House. Hornbeam said: ‘I’m going to confront Donaldson. He has to bring these boys back.’
The two men set off again. Willard House was on the market square. The irritatingly officious Sergeant Beach was on duty in the hall, and after a token display of reluctance he showed them in to Donaldson.
Many militia officers and men had transferred to the 107th Foot for higher pay and the chance to see foreign places, despite the danger; but Donaldson had stayed. He was a Methodist, and might be squeamish about killing people. Hornbeam remembered him as a fresh-faced ensign, but now he was middle-aged and heavy.
Hornbeam said: ‘Look here, Donaldson, my grandson and Drummond’s son have been tricked into the army by a recruiting sergeant.’
Donaldson was unsympathetic. ‘Nothing to do with me, I’m afraid.’
‘But you must know where they are.’
‘No. The recruiters aren’t stupid. They don’t tell me, or indeed anyone else. The army is quite accustomed to recruits changing their minds, or relatives trying to get them out. Such cases get little sympathy from an army at war.’
Hornbeam was infuriated, but he tried for a persuasive tone. ‘Come, come, Donaldson, you must have some idea where they go.’
‘Some idea, yes, of course,’ Donaldson admitted. ‘They’re on their way to a port where reinforcements are being mustered for Spain. That could be Bristol, Combe, Southampton, Portsmouth, London, or somewhere I’ve never heard of. And wherever they are, they won’tbe allowed out of their officers’ sight while they’re in England. Next time they have a chance to run away they’ll be in Portugal.’
‘I shall go to the War Office in London.’
‘I wish you well. But I think you’ll find the War Office doesn’t even have a list of the names of men in the army, let alone details of where individuals may be posted.’
‘Damnation.’
Donaldson got a holier-than-thou light in his eyes. ‘It’s very like what happened to Jim Pidgeon,’ he said mildly. ‘His wife couldn’t find out where he had gone, you may remember. I expect she felt just the way you do now. And when she realized he had been impressed into the navy she couldn’t get him back.’
Hornbeam boiled with rage. ‘How dare you.’
‘I’m saying no more than the plain truth.’
‘You’re a damned insolent dog, Donaldson.’
‘It’s against my religion to challenge a man to a duel, Hornbeam – luckily for you. But if you can’t speak like a gentleman you’d better get out of my office.’
Drummond said: ‘Come on, Hornbeam, let’s just go.’
The two aldermen walked to the door and Drummond opened it. Hornbeam said: ‘This isn’t over, Donaldson.’
Donaldson replied: ‘You against the army, eh, Hornbeam? Should be an interesting fight. But I know who will win.’
Hornbeam went out and Drummond followed. As they passed through the hall Drummond said: ‘Donaldson is a smug swine, but he’s right, Hornbeam. It’s a dead end. There’s nothing we can do.’
‘I don’t believe in dead ends,’ Hornbeam said. ‘Didn’t I hear that the cathedral dean has volunteered to be a chaplain in the 107th Foot?’
‘Yes, Kenelm Mackintosh, he’s married to the daughter of the old bishop.’
‘Has he left for Spain yet?’
‘I don’t think so. I believe he’s still living in the deanery.’
